Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17948, Rufus Gillet, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Gillet Rufus
W. 17948
Gillett
or Gillit, Ellen
CONTENTS

New York 30.563
Rufus Gillett
of Albany in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain H. D. C. of the Regt commanded by Col. Millis in the Connecticut line for 3 years
Enrolled on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of April 1836 and sent Genl. J. G. Morton New York
Arrears to the 4th March 1836 $440.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 40.00 $480.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Addams Clerk Book 12 Vol. 4 Page 26
ms.
May 2 d 1836 Certificate Returned & corrected from Gillett to Gillett returned to Genl. Morton N. York.
Let to Hon. R. D. Davis May 2. 1844.

2309 City New York N.Y. Ellen Gillet, widow of Rufus Conn. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Pensions per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Dec r 1847 and sent to
Mrs. M. Irving New York City
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 75 Vol. 4
Set to Wm. H. Saltonstall Dec. 20/48
Reported Sec y S. H. 48.

11344 Rufus Gillet Pensylvania
Admitted Ponca 2 years $80
Dear J. Morton New York
Rufus Gillet - Ponca

State of New York County of Putnam
On this twelfth day of September 1832 personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of Putnam County
Rufus Gillette a resident of the town of Philipstown in the County of Putnam and State of New York aged seventy two years in December last, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the month of December 1775 in the town of Suffield in the County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut for the term of one year, he enlisted under Capt Oliver Hanchett & the company started for Boston about the first of January after the enlistment & before their arrival Capt Hanchett left the company & went with Gen. Montgomery to Canada, & one Hyde then took the command of the company. Ebenezer Huntington, and King were then the lieutenants in the company, the company was attached to the regiment commanded by Col George Willis, the company remained in Roxbury near Boston & in Dorchester, until April, when they removed to New York, & remained in the City of New York a month or two when they were removed to Long Island where they remained until after the battle of Flatbush, the regiment & company to which he belonged were engaged in that battle, & left the island in the night three or four days after the said battle, from New York they went to Fort Washington near Kingsbridge being driven there by the enemy. The Army had generally left the city & retreated leaving the regiment to which defendant belonged, until they were driven out as aforesaid. in which contest, the reg t lost, their colors, baggage &c & indeed were they but their muskets, before the enemy made their appearance before Fort Washington, the troops left it crossed the North River & went to Kings Ferry, then again crossed to the east side of the river & marched up to Peekskill, where the army remained for some time, when they again crossed the river at Kings Ferry to the west side of the same & marched to what was called the English neighborhood in New Jersey, remained there some days or weeks when they again returned to Peekskill, where the regiment was discharged on or about the first of February 1777, this defendant received a written discharge from the service, but the same has by time & accident been lost. This

defendant was not absent from the army during any part of the year 1776 but performed his duty as a soldier for the whole year after the defendant was discharged as aforesaid he returned to Suffield in the State of Connecticut remained there until warm weather when a draft was made for two months to go to New Haven. This defendant was drafted out of the company of militia commanded by Capt. Isaac Pomeroy, for the said two months, he went as such drafted soldier & remained at New Haven & performed his duty as a soldier for the said time but cannot recollect the names of any of the officers under whom that service was performed
2nd
That afterwards this defendant when in the year 1778, he was hired as a substitute to perform the duty of Isaac Gillet for a term of nine months, this defendant with several others were put under the charge of Sergeant --- Beely & they marched with him (from Hartford to which place they came without any officer) to Traps Ferry where they joined the regiment commanded by Col. Meigs, & by Lieut. Col. Ebenezer Huntington, who was a Lieut. of the company in which this defendant performed his first service of one year. After joining the army at Traps Ferry, this defendant was in a company commanded by Capt. G. G. or Gibson, that the company marched from place to place along the river back & forth, until about the first of January 1779 when the nine months men were discharged in the highlands, a few miles below Fishkill, a written discharge was then also given to this defendant which has also been lost by time & accident
3rd
This defendant was also in the service for two months in the militia under Capt. Isaac Pomeroy this service was performed in the County of Westchester along the lines in Kosneck, Green Pond, & as far as White Plains,
4th
That on another occasion this defendant was drafted for a term of two months, & went under the command of Capt. Oliver Hanchett, started from Suffield in Conn t & marched to Red Hook in New York, the enemy were then up the river, had beset Kingston, that during this service this defendant & a few others took a sloop, armed with four swivels, which had grounded a few miles above Poughkeepsie, with

one or more officers & fifteen soldiers. Besides the captain of the ship, the ship was sold at auction as a prize, & her cargo also was sold. This deponent received about forty dollars as his proportion of the prize money.
That on another occasion but the time this deponent cannot recollect, he was drafted for two months & went under the command of Capt. Greengrass to Stonington near the mouth of the  opposite the east end of Long Island river, & remained there & performed his duty as a soldier for the said two months.
That on another occasion but the year deponent cannot tell he was drafted for a term of duty of two months and went under the command of Capt. Oliver Hanchett to East- Haven in the State of Connecticut where the said two months were spent in the duties which were required of him as a soldier.
This deponent hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state And this deponent further says that after the revolutionary war and about forty nine years ago he left Suffield in Conn & came to live in Philipstown in Putnam County & State of New York & has continued to reside in Philipstown to the present time, and this deponent further says that he does not know any person now living who can testify to services or detention in the preceding declaration or any of them, that he left the place of his nativity & his connections in Conn so long since & not having been there in forty four or forty five years he does not know whether any of them yet live.
The deponent says he was born in Suffield in the State of Connecticut, that he believes there is a record of his age in the office of the Town Clerk in Suffield aforesaid, that he lived in Suffield at the several times when he entered into the service as aforesaid & now lives in Philipstown in Putnam County aforesaid, that his first service was a voluntary enlist- ment in the service for a year, his service as a substitute for

Isaac Gillet was a matter of contract between the defendant & the said Isaac all of his other services were performed in consequence of being at the different times drafted from the militia.
The defendant recollects the names of the following officers who were with the troops where he served. Col. George Willis Ebenezer Huntington, served first as a Lieut & rose to the rank of Lieut Col. whilst defendant was in the service, Capt Oliver Hanchett, Capt. --- Hyde, Lieut. King, Isaac Pomeroy Colonel --- Meigs, Capt. Gibbs or Gibson, Capt. Granger on two occasions the defendant rec d a discharge from the service as above stated which have been lost.
This defendant is well known to Thomas Denny and Harry Garrison in the said town of Philipsburg where he now resides & has done for near fifty years & who can testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
Subscribed & sworn in open Court before Rufus Gillet Mr. of the Clerk Sept. 18th
We Harry Garrison a judge of the court of common pleas & Thomas Denny both residents of the town of Philipsburg in Dutchess County, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Rufus Gillet who has signed & sworn to the preceding declaration, that we believe him to be seventy two years of age, that he is respected & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Harry Garrison
Subscribed & sworn in open Court Thomas Denny before Mr. of the Clerk Sept. 18th
And the said court do hereby certify & declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the

interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states, and the court further certifies that Henry Garrison who has signed the preceding certificate is one of the judges of this court, now present in the performance of his official duties, and that Thomas Denny who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Phil- ipstown in said county, and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit. Foreign Hon. first Judge
Henry Garrison Judge
Johnn T. T. T. T.
I Jonathan Morhouse, Clerk of Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Putnam do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Rufus Giltit for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this day of September in the year 1832
J Morhouse

10616
Ellen Gillett
N.Y.
Act 7. July 38
died 43!
from R.D. Davis of N.Y. etc
Hon R. D. Davis H.R.

State of New York. Putnam County ss:
On this ninth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four, personally appeared before the undersigned, Surrogate of the County and State aforesaid, Ellen Gillet, a resident of the town of Putnam Valley, in Putnam County and State of New York, aged Eighty _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the acts of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, and the 23 rd of August, 1842, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Rufus Gillet, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, of the State of New York, the evidence of which, is "Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E 2. Vol. 1. Page 26. by Abel Addison, Clerk".
She also declares that she has in her possession an original paper, or certificate, of which the following is a true copy: to wit, "War Department." "Revolutionary Claim"
"I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7 th June, 1832. Rufus Gillet of the State of New York, who was a Private in the war of the Revolution is entitled to receive Eighty dollars, and — — cents per annum, during his natural

"life, commencing on the 4 th of March, 1838. and payable semiannually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September, in each  every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Thir- teenth day of April, one thou- sand eight hundred and thirty six.
"Lewis Cass" "Secretary of War."
(P. G.) "Examined and countersigned: { J. P. Edwards" "Commissioner of Pensions"
"30563")
She also declares that on the back of said original paper, or certificate, are the following words, partly printed, and partly written, to wit, "Payment to be made at New York City, by First Mechanics Bank, Agent for Paying Pensioners in the agency of New York." And also on back of said original paper, or certificate the further following words, to wit, "Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E 2, Vol. 4, Page 26 by M ch Addison, Clerk."
She also declares that she was married to the said Rufus Gillet, on or about the tenth day of November in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three, that her husband, the aforesaid Rufus Gillet died on the twenty seventh day of November, in the year eighteen hundred and forty three; that she was not

married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated.
She further declares; that after the death of the husband aforesaid, and at the time aforesaid, she has not married; and that she is still a widow.
Ellen G. Gillet mark
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written before me, Abraham Smith Surrogate
Putnam County, Town of Putnam Valley ss:
Abraham Smith, Surrogate, in and for the county of Putnam do certify, that the above named Ellen Gillet for cannot from extreme old age and bodily infirmity attend before my Court at my residence; and that I have appeared at the residence of the said Ellen Gillet, who then and there appeared before me.
Dated March 9 th 1844.
Abraham Smith Surrogate

Putnam County, ss: 2
On this the ninth day of March personally appeared before me, the undersigned, Surrogate, in and for the County aforesaid, John Odell, a resident of the town of Putnam Valley, Putnam County, and State of New York, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath depose and say, that he is eighty six years of age - that he was well acquainted with Rufus Gilt and Ellen his wife now his widow - that he was present at the marriage of the said Rufus Gilt and Ellen then Ellen Willis - that the marriage was solemnized by Moses Lumbury then a justice of the peace at the town of Phillips in the County of Dutchess in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty as near as this deponent can recollect and justly believes to be true sworn and subscribed
This 9 th day of March 1864
before me
Abraham Smith Surrogate
John Odell

State of New York } Putnam County ss: }
I Abraham Smith, Surrogate, in and for the County of Putnam do certify that the within named deponent, John Little Odell — sustains an unimpeachable character for truth and veracity, and worthy of all credit. Later March, 9 th 1876. Abraham Smith Surrogate.
State of New York }
Putnam County ss: } I Abraham Smith Surrogate of the said County do hereby certify that at a Surro- gates Court held before me at the Town of Putnam Valley in the County of Putnam the foregoing affidavits were taken and that the depositions were respectively sworn to and subscribed by the deponents after having been carefully read over to them.
In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of office of our said Surrogate to be hereunto affixed this 9 th day of March in the year 1876. Abraham Smith Surrogate.
Affidavit of

State of New York } Putnam County Clerk } Office p:
J. Robert C. Barnum,
Clerk of the County aforesaid, do certify that Abraham Smith, is a Surrogate in and for Putnam County, being appointed and commissioned thereunto by the Governor of the State aforesaid, and that the said Commission is on file in this Office.
I also certify that the signatures annexed to the within affidavits are his genuine signatures.
Witness my hand, and the seal of the said County of Putnam, at Carmel this the ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
R.D. Barnum Clerk

Silas Pease?
Affidavit

Cayuga County ss.
Silas Pease Personally appeared before me Isaac Brown a justice of the peace of said County and on oath says that in the year 1776 he knew a man of the name of Rufus Gillet in the Town of Suffield County of Hartford and State of Connecticut and that said Gillet enlisted as a soldier in Captain Ebenezer Huntington's Company of Infantry and that said Gillet served as such soldier for the term of one year said Gillet was Brother to Seth Gillet of the said Town County & State aforesaid.
Subscribed and Sworn Silas Pease
The 2 nd day of October
1835 before me
Isaac Brown Justice
State of New York,
Cayuga County Clerk's Office, ss.
I certify that Isaac Brown Esquire was on the second day of October instant a justice of the Peace in and for said County; and that I am acquainted with his hand-writing and verily believe that his signature sub- scribed to the foregoing affidavit is genuine.
Given under my hand & the Seal of said County, this third day of October A.D. 1835
A. L. Millard Dep. Clerk

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17948
Ellen Gillet
Widow of
Rufus Gillet
Pr. Rev. Mass
Act: Feb 29 48
Index:—Vol. 8 , Page 273
[Arrangement of 1870.]

New York
Rev. -
Rufus Gillet
Suspended - Su Lit to Gen. Clinton - Sept
29, 1835
lit. to same 14. Nov. '35.

Rep?
New York 9467
Ellen Gillett widow of Rufus Gillett
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 27 th Nov. 1843 of Putnam Co., in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Hyde of the regt. commanded by Col. Willis in the Penn s line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th — day of July 1845, and sent to Hon. Governor Kemble, Cold Spring, N. York
Total amount, $400 —
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Reso. Jan'y. 23. 1845
Recorded by D Brown Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 159

Ref.
New York 7122
Ellen Gillett widow of Rufus who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of July 1845, and sent to Hon. Governor Kemble, Cold Spring, N. York
[Acts of March 3, 1843.]
& June 17, 1844.
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2, Page 76.
Ref.

Sir,
Cold Spring, Dutchess County N.Y. March 29th, 1845.
The claim of Ellen Gillet, which was disallowed on the 2nd of May 1844. is again presented under the Act of Congress "Approved June 17, 1844."
The papers were then sent by me to the Hon. R. S. Davis, then a Representative of this District, to whom was returned the decision of the Pension Department, which now is in my possession.
It was not the wish or desire of the applicant to draw a pension for any time that her husband had, in her former application; but from the time of his death.
I think there is no obstacle in her case now, as the Act of Congress of June 17, 1844, passed after the decision, above referred to, brings her case within the provisions of the Act.
Such also is the opinion of the Pension Agent in the city of New York.
If this be true, it is earnestly hoped by the friends of Mrs. Gillet that her claim under said Act will be allowed.
Since the death of her husband she has been dependent upon the charity of her friends for a livelihood.

Please direct your decision to me, as her Atty. or agent.
I have the honor to be: Very respectfully Your Owt. Servant
William J. Blake.

J. L. Edwards Esq m
Washington.

Coed Spring 22 June 1845
Dear Sir,
The friends of the widow Gillet have brought me the certificate by which they think to establish her claim to a pension - strictly speaking, there is no certificate of the marriage ceremony, but when two persons have lived together as man and wife for sixty years in a country keeping no record of such matters, it is pretty good evidence that they thought themselves married - If you come this way during the summer come and see me - Yours truly G. Kemble ✓ L. Edwards Esq.

Ho of Rep
Dec 14. 1848
Colo Jd. Edwards,
Sir,
I am requested to inquire about the case of Eliza Gilt who has applied as is said for Pension under act of last Session -
Mr Irwin of New York is her Agent - Please inform me your decision -
Thos H. Hunt H. Putnam

New York April 29 th 1836
Dear Sir,
I enclose to you the Pension Certificate of Mr Gillet for a small alteration - It seems the Old Gentleman writes his name with a single "t" and it was after some considerable hesitation that the agent paid the money - As it however appeared by your letters to me that I was the Agent in procuring the Pension, and as I certified he was the identical person intended, they concluded to pay it - but said, that the alteration must be made before any further payment could be made. - Will you have the goodness to have the necessary alteration made.
With respect
Col Edwards
J. Morton

New York Sept. 14. 1835
B. Sir
I have the Honor to enclose you papers of Rufus Gillet of Phillipstown Putnam County the original application together with additional evidence procured in the State of Connecticut - which you hope will prove satisfactory to procuring his Pension - Any answer you may wish to communicate, or if his Pension Certificate if granted you will please direct under cover to me and I will transmit them to him without delay.
With great respect
Yours Ob t Serv t
J. Morton
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm ee Pensions.

New York Nov. 4 th 1835
Dr Sir, The friends of Mr Rufus Gillet have requested me to transmit to you the enclosed additional testimony in relation to his Petition for a Pension -
I duly received your Letter of the 29 th September but I do not think the inference you draw "that because Mr Gillet did not apply for a Pension under the act of 1818 that his claims now is not well founded" is conclusive - for situated in the country as the old Gentleman was, it is very probable that he did not know of the Law and therefore did not apply; and in case of the old Soldier I do not think that the Law Maxim of "Ignorantia Legis non excusat" should apply. ~
I am very respectfully
J. Morris
622 C. Edwards
Washington

New York
March 12 th 1836
Sir,
Agreeably to your directions Mr Rufus Gillet has procured a Certificate from the Comptrollers Office of the State of Connecticut — From this it will appear that Mr. Gillet is stated to have served in Gen l Huntington's Brigade, and also that the officers he states in his Petition as having served under are recognized as Officers of the Revolution — The certificate from the Comptroller is enclosed — there is also a Certificate from a Justice of the Peace stating that Mr. Gillet as early as the year 1818 made application for a Pension and some proceedings were had in relation to it. —
The Act granting a Pension was intended for the Relief of the remnant of the Soldiers of the the Revolutionary War and should

Should I think receive a liberal and equitable construction. — A half a century has rolled round since the services were performed, and the grave now encloses nearly all the Testimony of those services which might now have been produced — The old Gentleman is very necessitous in feeble health, and will not long live to enjoy the Bounty of his Country if it is extended to him —
I am respectfully
L. Morton
Box J. L. 80 wind Comm ee of Pensions Washington

Comptrollers Office Hartford Connecticut January 9. 1836.
I certify that in application of Rufus Gillet I have examined the Books & Papers of the late Pay Table Office of this state, & find as follows:—
An acct. with Cap. Isaac Pomeroy, who is credited by acct. rend? June 21. 1781 & Dec. 22. 1780 is charged £171.11.11.
An acct. with Cap. Benjamin Allen, who is charged Dec. 15. 1779 to order, & is credited by acct. rend? January 18. 1780 £500. — "Pay Roll, Coast Guards." —
An acct. with Cap. Oliver Hanchett, commencing May 1775 and ending June 1784. On 19 Jan y . 1776 He is Cred d . By acct. rend d for his Co. Spencers Reg t &c. £1874. 2. 2. And June 30. 1784 War is charged "To am t . Cap. Oliver Hanchett acct. pay of supernumerary officers & Bounties En rs Reg t '78 Cont t . currency £52.13." He is also charged, April 7. 1778 "To order in Treas y . for your Co. En rs , Batt n '78 £300." In "Marshalls Receipts", under head of "Expense of Coast Guards" is this entry: "1784 June 30 Cap. Oliver Hanchett, Coast Guard Milford £39. 2. 3 Specie."
An acct. with Cap. Samuel Granger, who is cred d . 25 March 1783 By am t of acct. rend d . £800 — And same day United States is charg d . "To am t . Cap. Samuel Grangers acct. for Bounties in 1777 Specie £800." In the opening of his acct. in 1777 he is mentioned as of "Col o . C. Webbs Batt n ." In a charge to War, 13 March 1782 of "am t . Cap. Sam l . Grangers acct." he is mentioned as rend d . a "Pay Roll of Wells' Reg t 1780 £933. 7. 2" And Sep r . 23. 1782 War is charged "To am t . Cap. Sam l . Grangers acct. rend d . for Pay Roll Gen l . Waterburys Brigade, Specie £2.383.16.9."
The name of Rufus Gillet in an "Abstract of Pay for the Six months Recruits in the ninth Connect t . Regiment, from the commencement to the expiration of their service," signed by "In o . P. Wyllys Maj r . Com d g d Cont t . Reg t ."

and Countersigned by "J Huntington V.B. Genl." in which he is mentioned as of Suffield, and commencing service 28 July and serving until 13 Dec r 4 months & 15 days as a private, in the 3 d Comp y . The year is not mentioned on this Pay Roll, but has been filed 1779.
A document headed - "Return of men recruited for the United States of America by Cap. Samuel Granger and officers of Col o Charles Webb Reg t from the state of Connecticut," signed. James Beebe, Cap. formerly Lieutenant, and dated May 29. 1778. But which men, as appears by a supplementary return, were enlisted in 1777. Capt. Granger appears also to have served on the Greenwich Station, he being mentioned in an account of that service, several times, between the dates of 1780 & 1782 (times of settlements) in Haskell Receipts.
A paper headed: - "A True List of the officers & soldiers that were taken at the defeat of Luebeck, the 31 st Dec r 1776, belonging to Capt. Oliver Hanchett's Company." Which list is signed by Cap. Hanchett. Also, Capt. Oliver Hanchett's Pay Roll of his Company - 2 d Reg t (Genl. Spencer - Lt. Col o Sam l Wyllys) of May 1775.
An acct. with Cap. Elijah Hild, who is Cred t "By amt s his acct. rend d ? for expenses, his Comp y Dragoons to New York in 1776 £50."
An acct. ag st the U. States of "Bounties &c. militia who served with the Main Army at and near Peeks Kill &c." in which Cap. Benj a Allyn is mentioned among other officers, Dec. 10. 1777 & opposite his name £112. 8. 4 "Specie Value." In Haskell Receipts.
Also in same Book, in Acct. of "Expense of the Post at Greenwich" Capt. Isaac Pomeroy - Bills & Acct s - June 30. 1781 - [date of settlement] ditto [Post at Greenwich] £778. 3. 9 State Money." -
I also certify that Rufus Gillet's name has not been found, except in the case before mentioned. Nor have any other Pay Rolls been found of officers mentioned by him, than those herein mentioned. -
Wm. Field Comptroller

Wanda Rufus Gallet
Col: J. L. Edwards Comm't of Pensions Washington

Rufus Gillet Nov NY
Colt Edwards
FREE
Pension Office War Department.

Ellen Gillett Widow of Rufus Gillett
338
acts 38 & 39 1992 — 43 & 44 730 — 444
reso:
Jan.
1845
$80 per an. to commence with act '38 on 4 March '36
New York Roll
married in 1780 husband died in 1843
Bequeathed to Hon. Governor Kemble Cold Spring N. York

Rufus Gillette - 72.
1775 Dec. Enlisted 1.0.0 Capt. Oliver Hanchett, Col. Willis - to Dec 1776) off 0 2.0 - - - officers not recollected 1777 - 1778 - + 0.9.0* Capt. Gits or Gitsen Col. Mugs. Lieut. Col. Huntington 4.15 3/4 0.2.0 ✓ " J. Pomeroy - 1.0.0 1779 - 0.2.0 " Oliver Hanchett 0.2.0 " Springer ✓ 0.2.0 " Hanchett ✓
+ substituted for Isaac Gillette -  Not on the rolls 
* the Commissioners say allow this town

Sir The certificate of the
  16.65  333  666  466  98  3  666          15.31    52.28       8    8       6.66  

The Com of Pensions
Will please have the paper sent herewith examined and inform me of the result. That I may communicate it to the widows of officers interested.
R D Davis
House of Rep
16 March 1874

State of New York } p: Putnam County }
On this Sixteenth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty eight before me, Thomas Davenport a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally came Ellen Gillet, a resident of Philips Town in said county of Putnam, aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, with in her oath made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during the Revolutionary war: That she is the widow of Rufus Gillet who was a Private in the war of the revolution and that she received a pension at the New York City pension agency of eighty dollars per annum under act 17 June 1844.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Ellen her Gillet mark
Thomas Davenport Justice of the peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the foregoing declaration and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in her declaration.
Thomas Davenport Justice of the peace
[Faint, illegible text at the bottom of the page, likely bleed-through from the reverse side.]

Putnam County Clerks office
I Reuben D Barnum Clerk of the Courts of Putnam County certify that Thomas Davenport is a Magistrate as within and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name This Eighteenth day of September in the year 1848
R. D. Barnum Clerk of the Courts of Putnam County
2189 7122 22

I John Harmon of Suffield in the County of Hartford a State of Connecticut of lawful age testified say, that at the commencement of the Revolutionary War several  in said Suffield volunteer soldiers were called for to go to Boston under Capt Oliver Hanchett - that at the head of the column a number of Persons under their service amongst the rest Rufus Gillett then of said Suffield volunteered his service - & as I understood afterwards, wanted under said  to go to Hanchett to Boston - The term of enlistment according to my recollection was for one year - Afterwards in the year 1777 - a draft was made from the Company of Militia in said Suffield commanded by Capt Isaac Pomeroy, myself said Gillett & others were drafted, & performed a tour of duty of three & a half months in Westchester County New York - I tarried at Brown's Pond where most of the company went - to White Plains - A year or two afterwards I, with said Gillett, and others was drafted to go to New London in Connecticut - we went to New London & from thence to Stonington and performed the tour of duty required of us - Gillett & I were in the same mess & returned home together. The time of service lasted was according to my recollection, about four months - I am now a Pensioner of the United States and further disponent facts not - 1- 1.15 John Harmon
I Richard Warner of Suffield in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut testify and say, that in the year 1777. Rufus Gillett, myself, and others were drafted from the  Company Company of Militia - in Suffield - we went to Danbury - Brown's Pond - White Plains and performed a tour of duty of three & a half months according to my recollection During this time I was, as a drafted soldier  then afterwards at New York with the Brothers of said Rufus Gillett, at the time of the Battle at Flat Bush - and the Brothers mentioned that Rufus was at Flat Bush at that time, and they were afraid he was killed - I understood that said Rufus enlisted under Capt Oliver Hanchett & went to Boston & had returned in the Army until that time. In the tour of duty at Danbury the Company Company was commanded by Capt Benjamin Allen - Richard Warner

Samuel Warner of Suffield in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut testified & say that in the fall of 1775 three of my Brothers enlisted or enlisted for a year service under Captain Oliver Hanchett and went to Boston and have always understood that Rufus Gillett then of Suffield, now of Wallingford Vt. enlisted at the same time and accompanied them to Boston & from thence to Long Island - and that all of them were in the Battle at Flat Bush - Afterwards in 1776 Rufus Gillett myself & others were drafted from Captain Isaac Pomeroy's company of Militia in said Suffield & that we performed a Tour of duty under the command of Capt Benjamin Allen of about three months at Cross Pond in Westchester County NY - then went to White Plains & returned to Cross Pond after about a fortnight's absence & were dismissed making the whole Tour about three and an half months - About the first of September 1777 the whole Militia were called for, & said Gillett went with the rest of the Company to Fish Kill & performed a Tour of duty of about two and an half months under the command of Capt Isaac Pomeroy - We went from Fishkill to Red Hook & there about 100 volunteered to go down the River & take a post below the Enemy - said Gillett myself & four others waded in boarded the a little above Poughkeepsie ship aground & took her - the ship was 100, and was divided - I am now a Prisoner of the United States & further deponent saith not - Samuel Warner
I Elijah Holcomb of Southwick in the County of Hampshire & born in the County of Massachusetts testified and say - that as a soldier, I was in company with Rufus Gillett at Hopkinton - We performed the Tour of duty required of us, the exact length of time I cannot state - I am now a Prisoner of the United States & further the deponent saith not - Elijah Holcomb

Personally came before me William Gay Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut on this 6 th Day of August A.D. 1835. John Harmon Richard Warner, Samuel Warner & Elijah Holcomb and severally made oath to the truth of the deposition of the above said deposition by them respectively subscribed. And I fur- ther certify that I am personally acquainted with the Richard Warner & John Harmon & by hearsay with the other two; and am of opinion that all are witnesses of credibility Wm Gay Justice of the Peace
I Philo A. Goodwin Clerk of the County Court in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut, certify that William Gay is a Magistrate as above, & that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, & sub- scribed my name this 7 th day of August in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & thirty five. Philo A. Goodwin Clerk

Mr. Cole 279 2189 7122 (M)
James S. Edwards Esq. Commissaire of Customs Washington D.C.

New York Sept. 23. 1848
Sir
I herewith transmit the applications of Mrs Rebecca Craige, Mrs Ellen Giltet and Mrs Amelia Thompson for the renewal of their respective pensions under the act of 2 nd February, 1848. The daughters of the last named claimant beg me to urge an early attention to their mother's application.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant Pierre M. Irving
J. B. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Judge Garrison Certificate of the Application of Rufus Gillot for Jamaican land 1818 by him

Phillipstown Postmaster Coeymans State of New York I do hereby certify that Rufus Giltell of said Town same time in the year 1810 Made application before me to the War Department for a pension under the Act of Congress for the same year for a pension for his services as a Soldier of the War of the Revolution in the line of the Army of the United States in the Connecticut line of said Army and failed in his application for some cause not now recollected as it is a number of years since the application & the papers were not by me preserved and he lived in this Town ever since as was at that time reputed to have been a Soldier in the said War of the Revolution Given under my hand this fourteenth day of December 1835
Henry Garrison and The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas Jud. County

Rufus Gillet
apell.
James L Edwards Esqr
Ny
Pension office
Washington city

New York March the 7 1836
Sir Col Drowd as regards Rufus Gillets petition The old gentleman did say to me William hills a go that he could prove his services By an old Man by the name of pos that lived till he was One hundred years old before he died that lived But A short distance from Rufus gillets residence now So how the old gentleman's honesty he did positively object to that witness Mr post, Because the said Rufus gillet did say that he knew that Mr post did not know wether he was in the army or not it was a Mistake of Mr post all together as he was knowing to it, you did object to Rufus gillets witnesses on the grounds That they did not name wether continental or melation Service in 1775 I William hills was there at suffield Connecticut and heard the four witnesses sworn in Behalf of Rufus gillet before squire Gay and I heard two of these witnesses Jehiel hammon and Samuel Warner say that that they knew Rufus gillet to be In the continental Service in 1775 but it was the Neglect of the squire in stating the service as it should Be and the squire stated that it was Business that He was not accustomed to and as Rufus gillet did make In affa-davit application in 1818 for a pension and Got a receipt from Judge Garrison of Putnam Co NY acknowledging that he did Assist in drawing up the application in 1818 General Morton thinks that Rufus gillet is intitled To A full Pension from the first application to the Present time The Reason that Rufus gillet did not have his fellow soldiers to testify to his services Before Is that he thought that they were all dead as it is So long since Rufus gillet has been a resident of putnam Co for many years and always sed to be an old Revolutioner by the people and the said Rufus gillet Is an honest sober and upright man he is poor weak and feeble which in the flower of his youth did fight in the most Hotest contest, that is the battle of flat bush with the father of our Country to sustain and to support the declaration of that noble Continental Congress, if the proof of the Continental service is not sufficient it can be stated clearly that the one year service was continental enlisted under Col Oliver Hubbard in 1775 Rufus gillet is now

unable to work for a living on the consequence of old age and infirmities and he and his wife likewise are both now depending upon their son for subsistence and his son is a hard labouring man in a iron mine which brings a scant supply I remain as your sincere friend William B. Hills Esq.
please to answer this if there is any more proof wanting in your next receipt to general morton

Affidavit of John Odel & Others
2 1/2 8

State of New York Putnam County Ss; John Odell being duly sworn doth depose and say I was Eighty nine years old the last day of May last past. I knew Rufus Gillet I also know Ellen his wife I saw them married; they were married in the fall of the year; Sixty or Sixty one years ago; they were married by Moses Dusenbury Esquire a Justice of the Peace at the house of the said Moses Dusenbury in the town of Philipstown, then Dutchess County, now Putnam County.
Sworn before me this 16 day of } John Odell June 1845
Marvin Wilson Justice of the Peace
State of New York Putnam County Ss Thomas Denny being duly sworn doth depose and say I knew Rufus Gillet and Ellen his wife Rufus is now dead his wife is still living I knew them as much as Sixty years ago I have lived within two miles of their residence since that time I know of their living together as husband and wife all the time for the above Sixty years I also know John Odell and from all I know of him and have heard of him I believe his character for truth and veracity is good
Sworn before me this 16 day of } Thomas Denny of June 1845
Marvin Wilson Justice of the Peace
State of New York Putnam County Ss Rufus Gillet Jr being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is son of the above mentioned Rufus Gillet and that his father died November 27. 1843 and that Ellen Gillet his mother and widow of the said Rufus Gillet is still Living
Sworn before me this 18 day of } Rufus Gillet Jr June 1845
Marvin Wilson Justice of the Peace of said County

Declaration In order to obtain the benefits of the Resolution of Congress of the 23 d January, 1845.
Whereas the Act of the 30 th of April, 1844, prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following statement under oath, to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned. I am the widow of Rufus Gillet, who was a Private in the war of the Revolution; I have drawn no pension as yet from the United States Government, and now ask for the amount due me from the twenty seventh day of November 1843 to the fourth day of March 1845.
She further declares that she is the widow of Rufus Gillet deceased; that her husband the said Rufus Gillet deceased died on the 27 th day of November 1843; and that she is still a widow.
S worn to and subscribed before me, on this 16 th , day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five at Cold Spring, Putnam County and State of New York.
Ellen his Gillet Mark
Marvin Wilson Justice of the Peace of Putnam County N.Y.

I certify, that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in foregoing affidavit.
Marvin Wilson Justice of the Peace of Putnam County N.Y.
State of New-York } ss. Putnam County }
I do hereby certify that Marvin Wilson before whom the annexed Instrument in writing was proven or acknowledged, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly authorised to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe that the signature to said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my Official Seal, at Carmel in said county, this eighteenth day of June 1845.
J. D. Barmann Clerk of Putnam County.

State of New York } ss: Putnam County }
On this the twenty eighth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five, personally appeared before the undersigned, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Putnam, in the State aforesaid, Elsie Gillet, a resident of the town of Putnam Valley in the said County of Putnam and State aforesaid, aged eighty three years years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of Congress, passed and "approved, June 17, 1844.", entitled or called "An act to continue the pensions of certain widows," and reviving the "Act of March 3, 1843, granting pensions to widows, extended for 4 years from March 4, 1844.", granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Rufus Gillet, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and a pensioner at the time of his death, the evidence of which, with the proofs when he became a pensioner is deposited on file in the War Department, (to which reference being had, will fully appear,) And she further declares that she has an original certificate bearing date the thirteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, issued by the War Department, and signed by Lewis Cass, Secretary of War, and countersigned by J. P. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions;

which said original certificate is in words and figures, to wit:
"War Department"
"Revolutionary Claim."
"I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th, June, 1832, Rufus Gillet of the State of New York who was a private in the war of the Revolution is entitled to receive eighty dollars and — cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and pay-able semiannually on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year."
(P. S.)
"Given at the War Office of the United States, this Thirteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty six."
Lewis Cass. Secretary of War."
"Examined and countersigned."
"J. S. Edwards Commissioners of Pensions."
"30863."

"Payment to be made at New York city by First Mechanics Bank Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York."
"Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 62 Vol. 4 Page 26 by M c Adison Clerk."
She also declared that she was married to the said Rufus Gillet, in the year 1784, but cannot recollect the month; that her husband, the aforesaid Rufus Gillet died on the twenty seventh day of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January.
State of New-York } ss. Putnam County }
I do hereby certify that Cornelius Warren before whom the annexed Instrument in writing was proven or acknowledged, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement a Judge of County Courts in and for said county, duly authorised to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe that the signature to said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my Official Seal, at Carmel in said county, this twenty ninth day of March 184 5 .
Ruben S. Barnum Clerk of Putnam County.
By Henry Barnum Dept clerk
Court of Common Pleas of Putnam Co.
State of New York } ss. Putnam County }
I Cornelius Warren a Judge of Said County Courts do hereby certify that the above named Ellen Gillet from bodily infirmity is unable to appear in Person before our said Court -
Cornelius Warren a Judge of Said County Courts -

"Payment to be made at New York city by First Merchants Bank Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York."
"Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E2 Vol. 4 Page 26 by M c Adams Clerk."
She also declared that she was married to the said Rufus Gillet, in the year 1784, but cannot recollect the month; that her husband, the aforesaid Rufus Gillet died on the twenty seventh day of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated. She further declares that since the death of her husband, the said Rufus Gillet, she has not married; and that she is still a widow.
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me Cornelius Warren a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Putnam County
Her Ellen Gillet Mark
State of New York Putnam County
I Cornelius Warren a Judge of Said County Courts do hereby certify that the above named Ellen Gillet from bodily infirmity is unable to appear in Person before our Said Court -
Cornelius Warren a Judge of Said County Courts -